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11 Adorable DIY Christmas Gifts for Cats & Cat Lovers (With Pictures)

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on January 18, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

Ginger cat wearing christmas sweater

11 Adorable DIY Christmas Gifts for Cats & Cat Lovers (With Pictures)

Pets are an important part of the family, and that means they’re a special part of the holidays, too. They bring joy to your home, and they’re always there for you, so it seems perfectly reasonable that they would be on your holiday gift list! Whether it’s a gift for your own cat, or a gift for someone else’s cat, you can find plenty of great DIY ideas on how to give your feline friend a present they’ll love.

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Top 11 DIY Christmas Gifts for Cats & Cat Lovers

1. Homesthetics Crinkly Sock Toy

Homesthetics Crinkly Sock Toy by homesthetics
Image Credit: homesthetics
Materials: Sock, water bottle, string or yarn, catnip (optional)
Tools: Scissors
Difficulty Level: Easy

Does your cat like things that crinkle? This easy DIY toy will have them entertained for hours. Simply take an old sock and fill it with a water bottle, then tie it off at the top. You can add some catnip inside for extra fun. It’s easy enough to do with kids and there’s a good chance your cat will actually play with it, especially if you add catnip.


2. Paw Print Salt Dough Ornament by Cats Herd You

Paw Print Salt Dough Ornament by Cats Herd You
Image Credit: Cats Herd You
Materials: Salt, flour, water, food coloring (optional)
Tools: Mixing bowl, measuring cup, mixing spoon
Difficulty Level: Medium

Imagine it: the tiniest, cutest little paw print just barely pressed into your homemade clay! We can’t think of a single cat owner who wouldn’t want this. Salt dough ornaments are simple and fun to make, and you can add food coloring to the dough for extra pizzazz. This is a great activity to do with kids since it’s not too messy. Just mix up the ingredients, form into balls, flatten them out, and press your cat’s paw into the dough. So cute. So thoughtful.


3. Funny Gingerbread Person in Distress from Dream a Little Bigger

Funny Gingerbread Person in Distress from Dream a Little Bigger
Image Credit: Dream a Little Bigger
Materials: Felt, ribbon, Rick rack,
Tools: Scissors, needle & thread or sewing machine
Difficulty Level: Beginning sewer

This gingerbread person is in distress, and your cat is the only one who can save him! This funny little toy is made out of felt and can be easily sewn by hand or with a sewing machine. Be sure to choose ribbon or Rick rack that’s safe for pets if you’re going to use this as a cat toy. It’s sure to be a hit with any cat, and it will make you smile every time you see it.


4. Massiel Dominguez’s Cardboard Tube Puzzle Toy

Massiel Dominguez's Cardboard Tube Puzzle Toy by massiel dominguez
Image Credit: massiel dominguez
Materials: Empty cardboard box, empty toilet paper roll tubes
Tools: Glue
Difficulty Level: Easy

Cats are smart and they need to be challenged to stay mentally sharp. One way to challenge them is with puzzle toys. This is simply a box filled with toilet paper tubes (glued down, of course). What it makes is a bunch of little nooks to hide food, treats, catnip, and toys. It can also help your cat’s prey drive and hunting instincts by making them “catch” their food.


5. Cat Christmas Tree by Chirpy Cats

Cat Christmas Tree by Chirpy Cats
Image Credit: Chirpy Cats
Materials: Cat-safe sticks, vines, and ornaments
Tools: Electric drill
Difficulty Level: Advanced

This is the ultimate gift for a cat lover. It’s a real, live Christmas tree… for your cat! This one is made out of cat-safe sticks, vines, and ornaments. You can find all of these things at your local pet store. Be sure to use an electric drill to make holes for the sticks, so your cat doesn’t get hurt. This is a fun project that will keep your cat entertained for hours, and it’s sure to be a hit with any cat lover on your holiday list.


6. Felt Catnip Pouch from Finding Our Frugal

Felt Catnip Pouch from Finding Our Frugal
Image Credit: Finding Our Frugal
Materials: Felt, thread, scissors, catnip
Tools: Needle
Difficulty Level: Easy

This is a quick and easy project that’s sure to please any cat. Simply take a piece of felt and cut it into a small pouch. Fill the pouch with catnip and stitch it closed. You can make a bunch of these and keep them on hand for when guests come over or a gifting occasion arises.


7. Hobby Lesson Sock Kitten by hobby lesson

Hobby Lesson Sock Kitten by hobby lesson
Image Credit: hobby lesson
Materials: 1 sock, poly-fill stuffing, googly eyes, ribbon
Tools: Needle
Difficulty Level: Easy

This is probably the easiest “toy” on the list. Simply take an old sock and stuff it with poly-fill. Tie a ribbon around the neck and add googly eyes. That’s it! You can make a whole litter of these in no time. Or, if you want to get fancy with it, you can make your sock into the shape of an actual kitten by following this tutorial. Be sure to use socks that are clean and free of any chemicals or detergents.


8. Homesteading Fleece Hammock

Materials: Fleece, scissors
Tools: None
Difficulty Level: Easy

Who doesn’t love a cozy place to nap? Right? This is such a simple but appreciated gift for any cat who loves to nap (which is all of them). All you need is a piece of fleece and a pair of scissors. Cut the fleece into a rectangle and then cut two slits in the center. Tie the corners together and you have a cozy little hammock for your cat! You can even add a pillow for extra comfort.


9. Chunky Cat Bed by The Owner Builder Network

Chunky Cat Bed by The Owner Builder Network
Image Credit: The Owner Builder Network
Materials: Chunky yarn
Tools: Scissors
Difficulty Level: Medium

This is a great DIY gift for any cat who loves to cuddle. It’s a chunky, knit bed that they can curl up in and stay warm all winter long. You will need some chunky yarn and a pair of scissors. This project does require some basic knitting knowledge, but if you’re not a knitter, you can easily find a tutorial online. Once you have your bed knit, simply stuff it with poly-fil and you’re all set!


10. Rachel Miller’s Feather Toy by one crazy house

Rachel Miller's Feather Toy by one crazy house
Image Credit: one crazy house
Materials: 4-6 craft feathers, paper towel tube, string
Tools: Scissors or a craft knife
Difficulty Level: Easy

Is that a bird or is that your cat’s newest toy? These are so cute and easy to make year-round. To customize them for Christmas, try covering the tubes in wrapping paper and color coordinating the feathers and string. So cute. So easy. So much fun for your cat.


11. Wine Bottle Cork Toy by The Links Site

Wine Bottle Cork Toy by The Links Site
Image Credit: The Links Site
Materials: Wine corks, string
Tools: Scissors
Difficulty Level: Easy

This is such a fun and unique toy for any cat lover. It’s a wine bottle cork toy! Simply take some old wine corks and string them together with some string. You can make them as long or as short as you like. Just be sure to knot the string securely so your cat can’t pull it apart and choke on the corks.

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Additional Tips

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Conclusion

With a little effort and a few household supplies, you can make your own holiday cat toys. These toys are fun and easy to make, and they’re a great way to bring a little joy to your feline friends this holiday season. So, get creative and have fun! Your cat (actually, everyone’s cats!) will thank you for it.

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Featured Image Credit: Anna Mente, Shutterstock

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